Games with dice

Time to let students become naturally curious about probability. In this activity students work in teams to record the frequency of rolled dice combinations. They observe the difference between experimental and theoretical outcomes and consider how sample size affects how close experimental and theoretical probabilities math up. Although not specifically mentioned in the activity handout, consider having the entire class combine their rolling dice data. They should see that their experimental data matches closely with actual probabilities.

While comparing the probability of different sums, your students will calculate probability using percents and fractions, draw frequency distributions decide if payoffs in the game of CRAPS are fair, and consider how casinos make profits. The lesson can then be extended by introducing and playing the game of SKUNK. The game is fun and winning is all about understanding probability. We have the general directions for SKUNK at the bottom of this post.

You might use this dice simulator with the class to help students better understand that as sample size increases, experimental probability should get closer and closer to theoretical probability.